How Do You Even Talk About This Book? | Reading Vlog

0:00-Intro
0:03-Into The Planet
2:54-Interlude
3:31-Into The Planet
6:50-Stoner
10:06-Reason for no second interlude
10:21-Stoner
14:18-Manga reading update
14:58-Outro
My manga channel: / @merphynapier42
WHERE TO FIND ME:
► My Patreon: / merphynapier
► Reading Spreadsheet: docs.google.co...
► Instagram: / merphynapier
► E-mail: [e-mail]

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I finished Stoner a few days ago, and it’s still lingering with me. I have thoughts! I’m looking forward to discussing it with you, Johanna, Jimmy, and Allen. Most of all, my very best wishes to you and your extended family as you mourn your loved one, Merphy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

LOVED hearing your thoughts on Stoner. I found it to be a warning against a passive life but I’ve heard John Williams describe Stoner as a hero. The fact it’s so mundane, so plain, yet so gripping is a testament to the power of writing humans as humans. A book that’ll live with me for the rest of my life. So glad you read it!!!!

[@Johanna_reads]

Thank you so much for letting us coerce you into reading Stoner! 😂 You spoke well about the book, and I am so excited to discuss it further with you, Allen, Philip, & Jimmy! ❤

[@the37thagent31]

I am so glad you read Stoner and cannot wait to see more on it. I read it at the beginning of the this year and it wrecked me and I also have no clue how to talk about it. I think the 3 main things I took from it is 1) the absolutlely beautiful writing that can take a story about a boring life and put me on the edge of my seat and have me at 4 a.m. going "I GOT TO SEE HOW THE INTERDISCILPLANARY MEETING GOES!" 2) The hyper existential dread of how little his life meant to history and how easily he was forgotten and that in the end that is the story for most people and is the end I will also meet. 3) The new appreciation I learned for many of the small things in life that are so important and are the main things we can remember when we reach the end of our time. To not be afraid to go for something so that at the end of my life I don't feel as many regrets for my forgettable life as I felt for Stoner's (I don't think Stoner regretted his life at the end. He certainly regretted decisions he made but I never got the feeling in the last pages that he regretted life. However I DID regret his decisions because within 30 pages John Williams makes us fall so in love with the character.) I still want more Driscoll

[@mattkean1128]

Re Stoner: We've all heard the phrase the banality of evil. That's not the only side of humanity you can describe that way. The little triumphs, the little joys. Stoner is about a man without grand ambition. It resonates so much because it's realistic, and a lot of people I think, see that little life, without these giant obstacles or trials, this quiet life, and wish for it. And we begin to root for Stoner, and we're frustrated for him. Many books are so exaggerated or even melodramatic.

[@danielles9550]

Your starting ascendance!! I haven’t read the manga but the light novels are amazing it’s a slow start but the world building and progress is absolutely spectacular

[@LightningRaven42]

I'm on Volume 22 of Ascendance of a Bookworm. It is an amazing fantasy story overall, not just for a isekai. The pace is perfect for you, Merphy. The writer is also a mom, so there are a lot of relationship dynamics that you don't see usually from the male-dominated manga/anime/LN world. There are a lot of cool moms in Bookworm and the protagonist is a gremlin through and through. I hope you love it, because this story needs recognition!

[@72mje]

So sorry for the loss in your family - all my best wishes to you and yours in these difficult times. I finished Stoner this morning and I've been trying to collect my thoughts into something I could write in a goodreads review, but I am at a loss. So your feelings on it reflect my own precisely. I look forward to your discussion on it later!

[@samueldionne9675]

Yoooo I'm really hyped for Ascendance of a Bookworm, no matter the medium! It is my favourite Isekai-style story that I have read to date. To be honest, I think reading the manga first then the light novel (if you ever do) will be a good way to bridge mediums if you want. Think of it this way: it took One Piece to get you into manga. It might take a manga you enjoy to get into light novels. If you really enjoy Ascendance of a Bookworm, then maybe its light novel would help you bridge the gap.

[@the_fools_tale]

Stoner sounds like such a unique read! There is comething appealing about seeing another humans day to day life. I definitely don't have space in my reading and yet... *downloads*

[@moonstonepearl21]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family are doing as well as you can in this situation.

[@NaritaZaraki]

AHHH I'm so excited that you started "Ascendance of a Bookworm"!!!! I love it so much!! I'm also reading the manga, not the light novel, so I don't know what we might be missing but I still love the manga so much its so delightful!! ^_^

[@samueldionne9675]

I think the best comparison is like a book to a really good movie adaptation. The movie is great, but the book gives all the details that makes it more engrossing. The manga is great, but the LN has better fleshed-out details that really brings the story to life. That being said, the manga is still an excellent way to experience the story. I am very much looking forward to next week's vlog.

[@NaritaZaraki]

@@samueldionne9675 Thanks for letting me know! ^_^ I love that you compared this to a book/movie adaptation because I do always end up reading the book if I happen to like an adapted movie. Guess I'll just read the light novel after catching up with the manga.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Johanna got me to read Stoner as well, and I'm glad she did. It's a book that really snuck up on me, and I was so surprised to be emotionally moved at the end. Williams is such a skilled writer! Glad you enjoyed it even if you struggled to find the words lol

[@wesleymassey4096]

I read Stoner at the beginning of this year and I still think about it often. There's something honest in his failings and his mundanity. One of the things that really struck me about it was its themes on the limitations of language. I'll be getting into some spoilers here so fair warning but I'm not sure if it's the type of book you can spoil. The first instance of this I can think of was probably him in the English lecture as a student where he understands a piece but isn't able to articulate what it means and it was probably at that moment that his teacher realized that Stoner was going to have to be a teacher himself. He would spend most of his life trying to articulate "what it means", he would always be in that room. I think that's also why what his old friend told him about the academy being an asylum resonated with him so much, and why he knew he had to vehemently oppose the student who didn't care about any of this. The themes of language really culminate at the end of his chapter with Katherine with the line "she must have been planning her departure for some time, Stoner realized; and he was grateful that he had not known and that she left him no final note to say what could not be said." I also love the simplicity of this line a chapter earlier: "Her eyes that he had thought to be a dark brown or black, were a deep violet." I think they articulate the true inability to express feelings straightforwardly with language. He could have said he loved her, (and I think he even does at points?) but these are maybe the most accurate statements about his feelings for her. Language in a way, is its own sort of prison or asylum but its all we have, and by the end of the book the same is clear to Stoner. "It hardly mattered to him that the book was forgotten and that it served no use; and the question of its worth at any time seemed almost trivial. He did not have the illusion that he would find himself there, in that fading print; and yet, he knew, a small part of him that he could not deny was there, and would be there." I think more of us will end up like Stoner than we might care to admit, lost, forgotten, maybe even a little pathetic. Personally as someone who related a lot to young Stoner, passionate but unsure where to direct it, (and is also going off to University in the fall lol) I did feel some dread reading this book. But there was also a lot of catharsis and it felt like being seen through the pages. And if I can be half as fulfilled and understanding as William Stoner was at the end of his life then it will be a life well spent.

[@sleantia]

Stoner is one of my absolut favorite books. I remember reading is and feeling so grateful for experiencing a life so fully. It made me appreciate the mundanity of life and how, even if unremarkable, all lives are exceptional and unique. It's a privilege to be even a tiny part of someone's life, a footnote even. Yes, few remember Stoner after his death and think of him rarely. But he was there, he did shape other people's life, he had dreams and passions and value. I felt honoured that I got to see it, it felt so intimate and honest. I also live Raymond Carver writing about glimpses into regular people's lives, seeing the ordinary in print, makes it have value and intend. It makes it something more. Your own day to day activities that feel like mundanity is actually remarkable, because it's your life, your unique story and you, no matter how irrelevant you find yourself, is special and does have impact. I don't know, I just freaking love. I love Stoner, I'm glad I got to know him

[@MaryReadsToLive]

I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.

[@christopherwarman1701]

The Stoner-ification of Merphy! Love to see it. Amazing book. My wife bought it for me at a used bookstore a few years ago and just said "You'll love this." Ever since then, I've been trying to get everyone I know to read it.

[@JohnSaxon-vw5vi]

Praying for you and your family on your lose will be sending you lots of prayers and thoughts ❤❤❤

[@fourcornersofthepage8374]

Merphy, have you heard of Yotsubato? It’s a cute wee slice-of-life manga that works as a great palette cleanser between big series. It’s also the manga that made me feel ready to have kids (my son is three now). From parent to parent, it’s worth checking out!

[@jordangordon5969]

My condolences to your family 🙏

[@garypoisson2733]

Your speaking pace is great. I have to speed up so many people I like to listen to, and those folks who can rattle off their thoughts at a rate I'll keep at Normal make me so happy.

[@donkevinbrown9906]

Great Review! I believe you and your husband like going on photography adventures together. If you are looking for something new, try the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. It is kid and dog friendly. (Dogs must be on a leash... not kids).😄

[@hewstonwehaveaproblem]

Heya Merphy. I'm hyped that you've begun reading Ascendance of a Bookworm and can't wait to see your impressions of it. Although I do think the manga is fine as a starting point of reading, my main concern would be how much material is available for the manga as compared to the Light Novel, as the Light Novel is much further along in its translation... But I guess we cross that bridge when we get there Edit: Wrt amount of material available, Manga is only translated up to middle of part 2(physical release) and close to end of part 2(digital release). Whereas the Light Novel is near end of Part 4(physical release) and middle of Part 5(Digital). So suffice to say, there's a lot more to read in the Light Novel(LN for short)

[@Yesica1993]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Please take care.

[@NuUnlimited]

I love bookworm!!! Can't wait to here your thoughts on it!!!

[@SilasRNold]

Stoner was my biggest surprise from last year's reading! Beyond a few of his choices, I adored the character study of a stoic man intent on living according to his principles and taking what life gives on the chin with the resolve to keep moving forward. I saw a bit of myself in reading Stoner. I loved it enough to finish it in one day. Also, since you're on a break from Malazan, I hope you start Reaper's Gale soon as you've been enjoying the series.

[@SarasBooksAndThings]

For Asscendance of a Bookworm if you like the manga I highly suggest the light novels... unless you want to wait years for it to be completed. The light novels should be fully translated by next year but manga is quite a bit behind.

[@JohnSaxon-vw5vi]

I have just got this book and I am really excited about reading it as I can not scuba dive prayers and blessings to you and your husband and your beautiful children love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤

[@jonasquinn7977]

Looking forward to your thoughts on Bookworm!

[@tyriquesmith8850]

I was dissapointent by the delay of "I want to eat your Pancreas" until I gave it 2 seconds of thought 😅. It is most definitely an emotional ride...

[@sonjadevenney2524]

Enjoyed hearing your thoughts on Stoner. I really enjoyed the book as well

[@codyp9416]

I'm not sure why, but your explanation of Stoner got me intrigued. I think I'll check it out for my next audiobook

[@JAF30]

Sorry to hear of your family's loss.

[@LeonMatthews]

I read 'Diary of a Nobody' by George and Weedon Grossman (Wikipedia has a good summary) back at University, and it's stuck with me for years. Stoner sounds very similar. Silly and funny and - though fictional - worthy of reflection.

[@sineadjenks5325]

Merphy have you read The luminous dead? It's a fiction about cave dying, the protagonist is a woman and very good in her field. It's a real gripping psychological story and at times was very chilling! You may have actually recommended it, I can't remember. But if not, I think you would like it!

[@readlikeaman]

Into the planet sounds super interesting! Endurance is one of my favorite books ever so if it’s anything similar to that I am all in!

[@trevorsmits6667]

Stoner sounds a lot like Jude the Obscure, which I love.

[@_SVPanda_]

Ascendence of a bookworm is a great pick, try its anime too its good

[@First_Time_Plays]

Dam still doing the manga for I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. This would be a good time to finally check a light novel for the first time.

[@moringeel]

Love John Williams works! Personally the audio book for Stoner put me to sleep so I had to switch to paper. Book still sits with me till this day. Hope you check out Butcher's Crossing and Augustus one day.

[@KierTheScrivener]

I've had Stoner on my shelf and haven't known if I wanted to read it so it's hood to have a recommendation

[@ikariiprince]

Currently finished the first Mistborn book! Loving it so far really have no idea where it’s going to go

[@notrixamoris3318]

Thanks for the vlog Merphy we you dont really need to make one this week coz of your situation but again thank you...

[@mattf.3365]

I also just finished Stoner. This book that has no business being as gripping as it is because the plot is very simple. But the writing is so brilliant and it's such a compelling study of an ordinary life. I'm not sure I agree with Merph that Stoner is passive though.....hmmm?....can't elaborate without spoilers!

[@tuyg]

Stoner seems to be a take on the effects of High Functioning Depression, with the way that his passivity would be displayed throughout instances of him being actively thwarted from others, as well as those rare moments where he would feel inclined to show a desire to stand up against those who would prefer to oppress another in some manner, like with the grading criteria for his students, because doing so for someone else would prove to be a far more easier motivation for those living with this kind of struggle than it would be for them to do so for themselves, along with how the stakes being directed away from their person, can in most cases serve to be an indirect way for them to feel like they are claiming their power back, especially if compounding instances of trauma involving overt antagonism from others were to act as a dissuading force or incentive for them to channel that energy in a self-oriented form of Empowerment. Or at least that’s how I’ve come to see it from my own experiences, and why I would be able to recognize the signs of such within Stoner.

[@nikgokuhil]

I again recommend Mushishi

[@samueldionne9675]

Ditto.

[@KalleVilenius]

Stoner is about the hunchback mafia removing an obstacle from their path. It might also be John Williams imagining what the trajectory of his own life might have been had he not become a writer. Now go read Butcher's Crossing and Augustus!

[@dianaayt]

I read stoner last year and it ended up on my top 10. I felt the same as you while I was reading it. Just a normal boring book that had me so excited to read more and more. But after some time it kept being on my mind. And while thought the story there were moments where I was so mad at him for things he did (like some r*pe scenes), other times I was crying next to him and so mad at the situations people put him in because I think we can all relate to moments where we felt trapped by bad people like he did at school. But once we take in that it is just a book about one life you can see how actually the book is interesting and shows so well what life is to all of us. We might not be as bad as stoner in his sexual action but we also might not be as fair as him when we should. He is a man like probably the average of the man in these world and it was kinda lovely seing his changes theough life. I remember so many moments with love in my heart, from the first chapters that were a window into my life, to how my heart ached when we saw changes in his home regarding his relationship with his daughter. It is a book that made me feel every single emotion with and about stoner. From anger and disgust to so much happiness or sadness and pity. It was so lovely and the more time passes the more I enjoy it

[@osbre8110]

does she know about land of the lustrous? i feel that would stir a lot emotions since shes a fan of group dynamics/loyalty. I think reading it with philip would be very very interesting

[@bobacrow79]

I really loved Stoner. So much.

[@thatsci-firogue]

Haven't read Stoner but I'm reading his other book Butcher's Crossing and I'm loving it

[@lionheartstanza]

I loved Stoner

[@moonstonepearl21]

The light novel of Ascendance of a Bookworm is the original source material. The manga is based on the light novels. I would say you definitely should be reading the light novels and not the manga. You would enjoy them more too.

[@kirilmitrev8391]

Glad to hear you have start "Ascendance of a bookworm" and yes LN is much better there is a lot more content and storytelling is much more consistent

[@rachelspencer9456]

🧡📚🧡📚🧡📚🧡

[@BrebearMckae]

💕💕

[@Wats06071]

I haven;t read Stoner, but for those who don't mind reading detailed description of mundane and ordinary life events (interepted by the odd dramatic events), I would recommend "The Makioka Sisters" by Junichiro Tanizaki.

[@timderuijter]

I am sorry for your and your families loss

[@louiscyphre2783]

If you later decide to try another light novel, I would like to shamelessly recommend Baccano! by Ryohgo Narita. It's a story about crazy mafia & immortals doing crazy stuffs. 😂

[@eaptan]

This is an interesting sounding book. Ive done a couple of tight crawls in well known cave routes and i still think about those moments with fear. It takes a different breed Im also a scuba diver and cave diving is so dangerous. Something as simple as losing your cool can kill you and everyone youre with

[@just-cobb]

Wow "just a guys uneventful life." Billy, Edith and the Lorax had very eventful lives...I think. Who really knows?

[@merphynapierreviews]

I meant that in context to what I said before it: that he wasn’t a hero or inventor or something that would make his name known, he just lived a simple life. But there was still something so gripping about living that simple life with him. Maybe my wording was off, I have a hard time figuring out how to talk about this book

[@just-cobb]

@@merphynapierreviews nah you did fine, I was only kidding. It's a weird book.

[@ToddSmith23]

Stoner is a book about ‘nothing’. Everybody else is writing about ‘something’ but John Williams wrote about ‘nothing’.

[@thejustinwestra]

Stoner sounds so interestingly uninteresting, if that makes sense?

[@luisquintanilla1694]